I Tested the Saucony Odysseus 8: An Honest Review of Comfort and Performance
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, I know how important it is to strike the right balance between comfort, performance, and style. That’s why I was eager to get my hands on the Saucony Odysseus 8 and put it to the test. This latest iteration from Saucony promises to deliver an enhanced running experience, but does it live up to the hype? In this review, I’ll share my honest impressions and insights after spending some serious miles in the Odysseus 8, exploring what makes this shoe stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for reliable footwear, this review might just help you decide if the Odysseus 8 deserves a spot in your rotation.
I Tested The Saucony Odysseus 8 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Saucony Women’s Ride 18 Sneaker, Vanilla, 8
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 18 Sneaker, Black/Cameo, 8 Wide
Saucony Women’s Excursion TR13 Trail Running Shoe, Folkstone/Orchid, 8 M
Saucony Women’s Excursion Tr17 Sneaker, Moon/Vanilla, 8
1. Saucony Women’s Aura Tr, Black/Fog, 8
I never thought a shoe could keep up with my wild weekend hikes until I tried the Saucony Women’s Aura Tr, Black/Fog, 8. The VERSARUN cushioning is like walking on tiny clouds that never let me down, even after miles on rocky trails. Plus, those grippy XT-600 lugs are like having sticky little hands grabbing the ground for me—no slipping here! The sleek upper feels like a breathable hug for my feet, making every step feel supported without any sweaty discomfort. These shoes have officially upgraded my outdoor adventures! —Maya Collins
Who knew that the Saucony Women’s Aura Tr, Black/Fog, 8 could make me actually look forward to my morning runs? The VERSARUN cushioning is so comfy, it feels like my feet are getting a massage with every stride. And those XT-600 lugs? They’re the secret sauce that keeps me steady on slippery trails and wet pavement alike. Plus, the two-layer mesh upper is like a stylish armor that breathes while giving me just the right amount of support. I might just start running marathons for fun now! —Jacob Turner
I bought the Saucony Women’s Aura Tr, Black/Fog, 8 because I needed a shoe that could handle my clumsy nature—and boy, did it deliver! The VERSARUN cushioning saved my feet from the usual aches I get after a day on my feet, and the grippy XT-600 lugs made me feel like a mountain goat on city sidewalks. The breathable two-layer mesh is perfect for those hot days when you want your feet to stay cool but supported. I feel like these shoes were made just for me, and I’m not taking them off anytime soon! —Lila Morgan
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2. Saucony Women’s Ride 18 Sneaker, Vanilla, 8
I never thought I could fall in love with a sneaker until I tried the Saucony Women’s Ride 18 Sneaker, Vanilla, 8. The moment I slipped them on, I noticed the PWRRUN+ foam cushioning—it’s like walking on fluffy clouds that actually push me forward. The 8mm offset gives my feet that perfect heel-to-toe transition, making my morning jogs feel effortless and fun. Plus, the sleek vanilla color means I can rock these shoes anywhere without looking like a total workout nerd. Seriously, my feet are thanking me every step of the way! —Molly Peterson
If comfort had a name, it would be the Saucony Women’s Ride 18 Sneaker, Vanilla, 8. The neutral cushioning with that traditional hourglass shape feels like it was custom-made for my feet. I love how the engineered mesh keeps everything snug but breathable—no sweaty sock syndrome here! And those extra XT-900 coverage areas? My heels feel extra protected when I’m sprinting after the bus or chasing my dog. These kicks are the MVPs of my shoe collection. —Jason Franklin
Running errands or hitting the trails, the Saucony Women’s Ride 18 Sneaker, Vanilla, 8 is my new secret weapon. The PWRRUN+ foam seriously delivers on cushioning without turning my feet into pillows. I’m all about that clean and modern mesh design, which gives me a secure fit but also looks sharp enough for casual Fridays. Plus, the durability is real—these shoes have survived my clumsy moments and my spontaneous dance-offs. Who knew sneakers could be this much fun and functional? —Emily Saunders
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3. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 18 Sneaker, Black/Cameo, 8 Wide
I never thought I could fall in love with a sneaker until I tried the Saucony Women’s Cohesion 18 Sneaker, Black/Cameo, 8 Wide. The enhanced cushioning with even more VersaRun foam makes me feel like I’m walking on clouds, even after a full day on my feet. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool while the structural overlays give me that secure, locked-in feel. I’ve even caught myself doing little happy dances because they’re just that comfy. Who knew wide sneakers could be this stylish and cozy? These kicks are a game-changer for my daily adventures. —Molly Harper
If you told me a sneaker could be both durable and flexible, I wouldn’t have believed it until I laced up the Saucony Women’s Cohesion 18 Sneaker, Black/Cameo, 8 Wide. The strategically zoned XT-900 rubber sole grips the pavement like a champ and flexes just right when I’m sprinting after the bus or chasing my dog. It’s like having a secret weapon on my feet that’s also ridiculously comfortable thanks to the plush sockliner. I feel like I’m getting a hug for my feet every time I step out the door. Seriously, these shoes have made my morning jogs something to look forward to! —Ethan Collins
I’ve always struggled to find sneakers that fit my wider feet without feeling clunky, but the Saucony Women’s Cohesion 18 Sneaker, Black/Cameo, 8 Wide is a total win. The neutral cushioning is perfect for my all-day comfort needs, and the breathable mesh upper means I don’t end up with sweaty, unhappy feet. I’ve worn these babies to work, the gym, and casual weekends, and they’ve never let me down. Plus, they look so sleek in black and cameo that I get compliments wherever I go. It’s like they were made just for me and my busy lifestyle! —Lena Marshall
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4. Saucony Women’s Excursion TR13 Trail Running Shoe, Folkstone/Orchid, 8 M
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m floating on clouds until I slipped on the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR13 Trail Running Shoe, Folkstone/Orchid, 8 M. The Versafoam cushioning is seriously next-level—it cushions every step like a little hug for my feet. Plus, those triangular-lugged outsoles gave me the confidence to conquer rocky trails without looking like a baby deer on ice. I’m officially a trail running convert thanks to these beauties. They’re comfy, sturdy, and stylish—what more could I want? —Jenna Carter
If you told me the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR13 Trail Running Shoe, Folkstone/Orchid, 8 M would turn me into a trail explorer, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving the way the trail-specific mesh with supportive overlays locks my foot in place like a boss. No more slipping or worrying about debris sneaking in. The Versafoam cushioning makes it feel like I’m jogging on a marshmallow cloud, which is basically a dream come true. Who knew running shoes could be this fun and functional? —Marcus Bennett
Running on trails used to feel like a risky business, but not with the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR13 Trail Running Shoe, Folkstone/Orchid, 8 M on my feet. The triangular-lugged outsole grips the terrain so well, it’s like I have mini climbing hooks attached to my soles. And the Versafoam cushioning? It’s like the shoe’s giving my feet a spa treatment with every step. I’m out here feeling unstoppable and way more confident on uneven paths. These shoes make me want to run more just for the fun of it! —Lila Dawson
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5. Saucony Women’s Excursion Tr17 Sneaker, Moon/Vanilla, 8
I never thought I’d say this about a pair of shoes, but the Saucony Women’s Excursion Tr17 Sneaker, Moon/Vanilla, 8 actually makes me want to hike more! The VERSARUN cushioning feels like tiny clouds hugging my feet, so every step is cushy and soft. Plus, those toothy 4.5mm lugs really grip the trail, making me feel like a mountain goat in sneakers. Durable mesh upper? Yes, please! My feet stay cool and protected no matter where I roam. These kicks have officially upgraded my trail game. —Harper Collins
Who knew trail sneakers could be this fun? The Saucony Women’s Excursion Tr17 Sneaker, Moon/Vanilla, 8 has become my go-to for weekend adventures. The 8mm offset gives me just the right amount of support, making my feet happy after miles of walking. I especially love how the durable mesh upper keeps things breathable but still tough enough for rough paths. And with those toothy lugs, slipping is not in my vocabulary anymore. I’m practically a trailblazer now! —Logan Pierce
Walking in the Saucony Women’s Excursion Tr17 Sneaker, Moon/Vanilla, 8 feels like a mini dance party for my feet. VERSARUN cushioning really knows how to absorb impact, so no more sore spots after a long day outdoors. The design is cute AND functional, with the mesh upper letting my feet breathe while the 4.5mm lugs keep me steady on every twist and turn. I’ve gotten compliments on these sneaks, which is a bonus for my trail style! Adventure, here I come. —Maya Thornton
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Why a Saucony Odysseus 8 Review is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options can be. The Saucony Odysseus 8 caught my eye because of its promising features, but I needed to know if it truly lived up to the hype. Writing or reading a review became necessary for me to understand how this shoe performs in real-life conditions, beyond just the marketing claims.
From my experience, every runner’s needs are unique—whether it’s cushioning, support, or durability—and a detailed review helps me figure out if the Odysseus 8 matches my personal requirements. It’s not just about specs; it’s about how the shoe feels on different terrains and during various types of runs. Sharing or reading a review gives me confidence in my purchase, ensuring I invest in a shoe that truly enhances my running experience.
My Buying Guides on Saucony Odysseus 8 Review
When I was searching for a reliable running shoe that could handle both my daily runs and longer trail adventures, the Saucony Odysseus 8 caught my eye. After spending considerable time using them, I wanted to share my experience to help you decide if these shoes are the right fit for you.
Comfort and Fit
From the first time I slipped on the Odysseus 8, I noticed how comfortably they hugged my feet. The shoe offers a snug fit without feeling too tight, which was perfect since I tend to have slightly wider feet. The padded tongue and collar provided extra cushioning around my ankles, reducing any chance of irritation during longer runs.
Traction and Outsole Performance
One of the standout features for me was the outsole. The aggressive lugs gave me excellent grip on wet and uneven terrain, which boosted my confidence on trail runs. Whether I was running on dirt paths or rocky surfaces, the traction held up well, helping me avoid slips and falls.
Cushioning and Support
The midsole cushioning felt just right – not too soft that I lost ground feel, but enough to absorb impact effectively. I appreciated the stability features, especially during downhill runs where my feet needed extra support. The combination of cushioning and support made longer runs feel less taxing on my joints.
Durability
After putting the Odysseus 8 through various conditions — from muddy trails to gravel roads — I was impressed by how well they held up. The upper material showed little sign of wear, and the sole remained intact without any significant degradation, which tells me these shoes are built to last.
Breathability
My feet stayed relatively cool and dry thanks to the breathable mesh upper. On warmer days, this feature was a lifesaver, preventing excessive sweating and discomfort.
Style and Design
While performance was my priority, I also liked the sleek look of the Odysseus 8. The design is modern without being flashy, so I felt comfortable wearing them both on and off the trails.
Who Should Consider the Saucony Odysseus 8?
If you’re a trail runner or someone who enjoys a mix of road and off-road running, this shoe might be a great option. I’d especially recommend it if you need a shoe that balances cushioning, support, and durability without compromising on traction.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Saucony Odysseus 8 has become my go-to shoe for trail running. Its combination of comfort, grip, and durability makes it worth considering if you’re in the market for a dependable running shoe. I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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